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Weird History Food (2022)
Season 3 • Episode 53 • What REALLY Happened To The Rainforest Cafe?
Weird History Food Season 3, Episode 53: What REALLY Happened To The Rainforest Cafe?
The Rainforest Cafe... a fever dream the mind of restauranteur Stephen Schussler, has since become a wildly exotic chain of restaurants. Come with us as we delve deep into the past, to the very beginnings, all the way to what we know of the Rainforest Cafe today. Though it's wild style is sure to leave an impression on the mind, the footprint of this themed chain restaurant is shrinking, not unlike the real rain forest! Have you ever been to a Rainforest Cafe? What did you eat? Watch Weird History Food Season 3, Episode 53 What REALLY Happened To The Rainforest Cafe? in HD free online. Enjoy high-quality streaming of Weird History Food Season 3, Episode 53 and share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Episodes
103 episodes
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11 min
Who Is the "Joe" Behind Trader Joe's?
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12 min
Why Did Crystal Pepsi Disappear In the 90s?
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12 min
How Safe Or Unsafe Was the Easy Bake Oven?
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14 min
Facts About 80s Snacks
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The Dizzying History Of Wine In A Box
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The Bright Green History Of Mountain Dew
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14 min
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13 min
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11 min
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12 min
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13 min
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10 min
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13 min
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13 min
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11 min
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12 min
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12 min
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11 min
How Jack in the Box Bounced Back From A Deadly Scandal
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11 min
How Much Money Is Costco Losing On Its Hot Dogs?
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11 min
Why Do Pop Tarts Come In Twos?
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13 min
The Real History Behind Outback Steakhouse
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11 min
Every Super Sized Lie in Super Size Me
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11 min
How An Incredibly Bizarre Restaurant Became A Franchise: Medieval Times
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12 min
Why Heart Attack Grill Wants You To Die While Eating There
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10 min
How Shasta Gets Away With Imitating Coke
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11 min
What's Really In A Barf Jelly Belly?
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10 min
The REAL Reason Bagels And Donuts Have Holes
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13 min
The Checkered History Of Pizza Hut
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13 min
How Wonka Became A REAL Candy Company
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10 min
Every Style Of Ice Cream We Could Find Across The United States
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13 min
The Surprising Reason Why McDonalds Sells Fish
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9 min
How Civilization Was Created By Bread
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11 min
What Is A Sandwich?
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9 min
Who Was The First Person To Get Drunk Off A Margarita?
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11 min
Every McDonald’s Menu Item Since 1955
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12 min
Every Style of Taco We Could Find
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13 min
Why Is Five Guys So Expensive?
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11 min
The Meaty History Of Korean BBQ
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11 min
What REALLY Happened To The Rainforest Cafe?
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10 min
Every Style Of Nachos We Could Find
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13 min
Every Haunted Restaurants In America
Today on Weird History Food, we are diving into a bit of the extraordinary - we all have our favorite haunts, but hav you ever dined at an ACTUAL haunted restaurant? Join us, as we explore the paranormal happenings at a number of famous old restaurants throughout America! Stepping back in time, we go deep into why various restaurants are believed to have become haunted, and who these disembodied spirits once were! While many of these restaurants have food that is to die for, the unseen patrons of these places get the most attention!
11 min
Why Did We All Start Drinking White Claw?
The past few years have been one strange trip - over the many years, there have been many attempts to create a beverage that isn't beer, but also, quite different than straight hard alcohol... In the recent pas, what was created was an oncoming craze for 'Hard Seltzer' - Beer companies like Budweiser, Coors, as well as bran new companies such as White Claw and other specifically 'hard seltzer' companies rocketed into the public consciousness, right in time for a pandemic to hit. Come with us as we race how this ubiquitous craze caught on, and rocketed to fame.
11 min
The Deliciously Greasy History Of Panda Express
Today on Weird History Food, we are going to talk about that ubiquitous Panda Express - they are EVERYWHERE! ...But which was the first one ever? We will take you way back to a germ of an idea between a father and son hat grew into what we know today - the company that actually invented orange chicken!
10 min
The Rise And Rapid Fall Of Ghost Kitchens
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10 min
Is IKEA Actually A Restaurant That Sells Furniture?
IKEA has saved many a student from a disastrously decorated dorm room. Known for its flat packed furniture, this behemoth brand has shipped countless pieces of furniture all over the world, with insanely complex assembly instructions. All of that is phenomenal, bu, have you ever tried there meatballs? Come with us as we delve into the somewhat checkered past of IKEA, and delve into their culinary offerings that often steal the show!
11 min
All The Ways Restaurants TRICK You Into Staying
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9 min
Everything That’s Actually In A Hot Dog
Today on Weird History Food we are examining everything about Hot Dogs! Some will absolutely steer clear, some just cannot get enough (lookin' at you, Joey Chestnut!). With such a wide divide in the public mind, today we will explore the good, the bad, and the nasty that might just be in your hot dog. Oh, and its storied past as well!
11 min
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10 min
The Death Of Chain Restaurants
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11 min
Every Fried Fair Food We Could Find In America
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11 min
What Happened To The Kool-Aid Man?
Oh Yeeah!!! Today on Weird history Food we are examining exactly how he Kool-Aid man came to be, and how he has evolved over the decades. Born out of the mind of a child, he iconic Kool-Aid man has caused more holes in walls than any of us can count, but he sure does bring a tasty concoction with him!
13 min
The Death Of Fast Food Video Game Tie-Ins
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12 min
How The FroYo Wars Almost Put Frozen Yogurt Out Of Business
What could be possibly better than Ice Cream? FroYo! For a huge set of the population, FroYo made a big splash since it started being sold in the U.S. There was 'Everything Yogurt' which opened in 1976, then came TCBY and a host of many other purveyors of FroYo - we all have our favorite! Join us as we trace back how yogurt itself came to be, how the idea of 'frozen yogurt' was born, and how it exploded onto the scene!
12 min
The Rich, Chocolatey History of Nesquik
Nestle may be a behemoth company, but, they sure brought us a tasty drink that 'quikly' became a favorite drink for generations of kids and adults alike! today on Weird History Food, we will delve into the origins of the OG chocolate drink (brought back to Europe from the Americas), and how Nestle took this concept and ran with it centuries later!
11 min
The Biggest Beef In Competitive Eating: Chestnut vs. Kobayashi
In the world of 'Competitive eating', there can be ONLY one! ...or wait, is it two? Today n Weird History food we delve into the past of Competitive eating competitions, way back to the start of Pie eating contests... and within that framework, we have a look at two titans of the 'sport'. Come with us as we get into the rivalry and personal journey of both Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi. How they ach came to dominate the world of Competitive eating, and how they keep trying to snatch the #1 title from each other!
11 min
The Incredible Rise And Disastrous Fall Of Fuddruckers
Today on Weird History Food we are talking Fuddruckers. Whether founded by a mysterious character named 'Dudley P. Fudpucker', or the more likely guy known as 'Phil Romano' (also founder of Roman's Macaroni Grill!), Fuddruckers was born in 1979, and has lived a storied history of growth, near death experience, and a rebirth - all the while making what they argued is 'The World's Best Burgers'. Have you ever eating at a Fuddruckerss? Where was it? And what burger did YOU order?
12 min
The Most EXPENSIVE Grocery Store In America.
We are all feeling the insane cost of living these days, but, today on Weird History Food, we are delving deep into the extreme - billed as the grocery store that caters to Celebrities and Influencers, Erewhon sells goods at astronomical costs most people can only laugh at. With most locations in California, what exactly IS this store that puts even Whole Foods to shame? And exactly how did it get this way? Have YOU ever shopped in on? What were your thoughts, if so?
12 min
What Happened To Barq’s Bite?
Today we delve into the history of root beer.... Specifically, the brand that Barq's! Well, until recently, claim some.... Barq's root beer has a storied history, and yet, the DRINK we all know as root beer was created long before. Come with us as we go deep into the history of Barq's Rot beer, and see how it managed as competitors began to brew...
10 min
Everything That Went Wrong With Papa Johns Pizza
In the world of 'Big Pizza', today we focus on one Papa Johns. Armed with a dream, John Schnatter sold his beloved '71 Chevy Camaro, bought some pizza making equipment, and ended up serving many of us watching this video. But that road from obscurity to ubiquity hasn't been without controversies! Jon us as we trace the progress and setbacks of the one and only, Papa John's Pizza - maybe you have ordered it? Is it not as good as it used to be, as the Big Papa John Schnatter now claims?
12 min
Why Isn't Sriracha As Hot As It Used to Be?
Even if you don't live anywhere near those fumes in Irwindale, California, is likely you have heard d Sriracha Sauce, and maybe even you are a serious connoisseur! This episode promises be hot! Join us as we go deep into the actual invention of Sriracha sauce, and see how it became the ubiquitous sauce we all know. Let us know if YOU use this liquid fire!
11 min
Every Taco Bell Menu Item Since 1962
Yo quiero Taco Bell! Today on Weird History we are gonna make you hungry for a titan of tacos! We will go way deep into how the franchise got started by a one Mr. Bell. Starting way back in 1962, with Tacos, then tostadas, the menu just grew and grew over time... with the success of many additions to their menu, they started fusions and mashups of all sorts, many of which are still on the menu today! What is YOUR favorite food from Taco Bell? Le us know!
13 min
How Pasta Was Invented Everywhere At Once
Today on Weird History food, we examine a most familiar food - PASTA!! Whether your first encounter was grandma's spaghetti, some spaghetti-o's from a can, or whatever the case may be, do you think you know pasta, really? Who invented it? What do records suggest? And exactly what is this magic made of?
11 min
Why Does Chipotle Keep Making Us Sick?
Today on Weird History Food, we are delving deep into the History of Chipotle - perhaps you have been to one, and completely avoided getting sick! If so, congratulations! Join us as we examine this ubiquitous chain's humble beginnings in Denver, CO, its brief relationship with McDonald's and all the ups and downs in all the companies years in operation!
11 min
The Surprisingly Interesting Science Behind Soda Packaging
Carbonated drinks and sodas, have been around much longer than any of us have been alive! When did the mainstay sodas we know and love start? And most importantly, how has our consumption of these drinks changed over the years? Come with us as we go deep into how soft drinks were first bottled and canned, how the industrialization of mass production brought us the bottle cap we all know, and how the cans and bottles themselves have evolved over time!
12 min
Is There Actually Cheese In Cheez Whiz?
Today on Weird History Food we are looking at a truly remarkable culinary invention, Cheez Whiz!!! Perhaps you have some in your fridge right now! In the long and storied history of Cheese, this one is a wist NOBODY saw coming. What even IS this liquid gold? A Dip? A spread? a meal all on is own? Grab some if you got some and enjoy this telling of how it all began.
11 min
The Spicy History Of Hot Sauce
Some like it mild, some like it hot, but, who DOESN'T like hot sauce? Whatever the brand, whatever the 'Scoville score', just about everyone is int putting a bit o' the hot stuff on their food. Join us as we take a look at what causes all the heat, hw the concept of H sauce even started, and all of the hottest ons you can find today!
11 min
Death Of The Fast Food Play Place
Seeing Play Places at our 'go to' fast food stop has been a common experience for most all of us. Whether or not we actually climbed around in hm in the 70s, 80s, or up to the pandemic, we are all very familiar with the concept of them! today on Weird History Food, we look at how they began, how they evolved, and how they sort of fell out of favor (thanks 2020!). Let us know in the comments which camp YOU are in - whether you see them as germ petri dishes that might spread the latest bug, or as fun places to let the kiddos blow off steam while you eat a burger and fries!
12 min
What Happened To The Taco Bell Chihuahua?
Fast food mascots come, fast food mascots go, but, of all the mascots, even though this little one IS gone, the vintage 90s commercials with this little chihuahua have been eared into our collective consciousness. Today on Weird History Food, we examine the unlikely hit that was the Taco Bell Chihuahua, tracing this unlikely marketing campaign as it became a pop culture phenomenon!
10 min
Everything That's Actually In A Fast Food Hamburger
Burgers have been ben around long time, and many fast food burger joints tout the best meats in their burgers! But, what is a 100% 'all meat' patty, and what exactly goes into the production of the burger meat we consume? Today we trace the process of creating the meat that ends up between the buns in your favorite fast food burger!
11 min
Why Is It So Hard To Open A Capri-Sun?
Capri Sun was a staple in all of our childhood school lunches! Though the shape of the drink was odd, and is was such a skill to get the straw in properly, kids across the globe loved this drink, and even to this day (even with the whole 'mold' issue they can have). Lets take a look at how this particular drink began, shall we?
12 min
Why Did Fast Food Become So Expensive?
Today on Weird History Food we examine something that everyone is well aware of - the cost of even the cheapest options in the past has gone way way up! It wasn't all that long ago that Fast Food was THE cheapest dining option, but, over the years, that has changed. Today we look at the how great the price changes have been, and the possible reasons why!
10 min
Why Sonic Is The Last Drive-In Standing
The Fast Food Industry exploded like a rocket after World War II. Among all of them, Sonic stands out. With a motto 'fast food at sonic speed', this particular brand had a unique twist from the start. More than anyone else, Sonic championed the days when customers could just roll up and fine dine on their dashboards. Though there have been tweaks over the years, that pleasure is still very much a part of what Sonic offers customers to this day! Join us as we delve into the history of Sonic!
10 min
How Quiznos Got Toasted
Not so long ago, one sandwich shop launched a series of ad campaigns so catchy and downright strange, they’re probably still lodged in your brain to this day. That shop was Quiznos, and they rode that wave of bizarre humor to become one of the biggest sandwich chains in America. But as quickly as they rose to the top, the joint famous for its weird commercials and toasted sandwiches has faded away into obscurity. So, what the heck happened?
11 min
Death Of The American Steakhouse
As you could probably guess from the name, a “steakhouse” is a restaurant that specializes in steak. Or… at least claims to. They weren’t invented in the US, but it was America that turned steakhouses into a big business; and then, into a somewhat smaller business. In other words… Today we’re going to take a look at the rise and fall of American steakhouses.
12 min
Why Did Tony The Tiger Have To Get Hot?
Tony The Tiger has been around through all of our childhoods. Initially conceived as a child friendly mascot, he has gone through many transformations in his evolution. Today on Weird History Food, we examine a rather modern phenomenon that would have Kellogg's founder, John Harvey Kellogg, turning in his grave. You see, Tony The Tiger has become quite the Tiger in the Furry community! And now his hotness has become a viral sensation!
11 min
Is There Any Grape In "Grape" Flavor?
Grape flavored drinks, gum, and other edible candies have been a favorite for many people. But, oddly enough, that designated flavor doesn't actually quite taste like grapes; we just associate the flavor with the fruit when it appears in junk food! Today on Weird History Food, we are going back through the history of when grape flavoring was invented, exactly how that flavor is created, and how it became the breakout flavor we all know and love today!
10 min
Is Betty Crocker A Real Person?
We all know the name very well, and one thing is clear - WHOEVER this 'Betty Crocker" is, she is an amazing cook! But, is Betty even real? Or, was she just a figment of our collective imagination? Today on Weird History Food we are delving deep into who exactly was Betty Crocker, and how exactly this hybrid sensation became what we know today!
11 min
This Restaurant WANTS You To Have A Terrible Time
There are all sorts of themed restaurants, and favorite chains that we frequent, but, in all of those, we are talking about one that TRULY stands out. Today on Weird History Food , we have a look at Dick's Last Resort. A very unlikely success story, we dive into this one from the very inception. Who knows? maybe you have had Dick's Big Meat Challenge, maybe Dick's Huge 12" Wiener, a little Dick Margarita, or any of the many offerings at Dick's. This is a place known for its surly waiters and waitresses, and sexual innuendos laid on thicker than the mayo!
11 min
The Bubbly Rise And Shattering Fall Of Jones Soda
If we asked what you think of when we say the name “Jones,” you’d probably say something like James Earl, or Indiana. But if you were thirsty, you might think of “Jones Soda,” the craft soda that once seemed to be all the rage, and then… suddenly wasn’t. So what happened to those colorful little bottles? Today We go into the history of the Kraft soda Jones! Maybe you love drinking Jones soda? Maybe you've even made your own labels? Let us know!
9 min
The Deadly Family Feud Behind Zankou Chicken
Today's Weird History Food offering completely re-defines the term 'family feud'. If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles, California, then you might have eaten at a popular chain of restaurants called Zankou Chicken. The family-owned business has been a local favorite for decades, but a shocking tragedy nearly closed it all down for good! If you have had their chicken and amazing garlic paste, which location did you go to?
9 min
Every Wendy's Menu Item Since 1969
When Wendy’s opened its first location in the winter of ‘69, founder Dave Thomas was already a pro at serving high quality fast food. As a former owner and operator of KFCs in Ohio, Thomas decided to ditch the chickens for good old American beef. But with over fifty years of scrumptious square burgers and flavorsome Frosties, the Wendy’s menu has seen considerable changes. Let us know YOUR favorite item at Wendy's is!
11 min
How Del Taco Tried And Failed To Crack Taco Bell
The Del Taco fast food chain has been a California mainstay for the better part of 60 years, building a fanbase that rivals that of much larger operations like Taco Bell. But what might be surprising to some taco "stans" is that Del Taco's history has always been entwined with Taco Bell's, and the two have been unspoken rivals in the fast food fiesta wars from the very beginning.
11 min
How Chili’s Got Burned And Came Back
In the pantheon of casual dining experiences, few middle-class fancy eateries have experienced a trajectory like Chili's. From their rustic roots to an expansive nationwide chain, this southwestern sit-down has seen all the ups and downs of the industry. But where many casual dining chains have entered a modern age of decline, the big red pepper has somehow re-entered the building. So, how exactly did Chili’s get its groove back?
11 min
Which Root Beer Is The Definitive Root Beer?
Root Beer is a sweetened carbonated beverage which, despite its name, has little to nothing to do with actual beer. Nonetheless, people throughout the world enjoy it so enthusiastically you could be forgiven for thinking it contains alcohol. And while there are dozens of different brands of the ol’ sarsaparilla, a handful of iconic sodas have been sitting at the top of the heap for the past century. But which one is the best?
10 min
Is the Filet-O-Fish Actually Fish?
The Filet-O-Fish is one of the most famous items on the McDonald's menu. Before the advent of its fishy schtick, the fast-food giant only sold burgers, fries, milkshakes, and various drinks like coke, root beer, milk, and coffee. These classic items served the chain well for well over a decade. But as the franchise expanded, so did the needs of the fast-food-loving public, and the Filet-O-Fish caught our collective attention—hook, line, and sinker. But how much fish is actually in it? And is it even fish?
10 min
The Red Hot Rise and Unfortunate Fall of Red Robin
If you’re a comic book fan, “Red Robin” is one of the superhero aliases used by Batman’s sidekick. But if you’re a hamburger fan, the name likely makes you think of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews and a bottomless basket of fries before the Boy Wonder. Despite some splashy successes, and some truly excellent boozy milkshakes, the once-mighty eatery has tumbled from the highest branch in recent years. So what happened?
10 min
How Are Rotisserie Chickens So Cheap?
We’ve all indulged in those ready-made meals at the supermarket, even though they’re usually not the kindest to our wallets. But there is one supermarket staple that continues to satisfy both our hankerings and our bank accounts - the rotisserie chicken. These slow cooked supermarket saviors have been a favorite for frugal customers frantically seeking a scrumptious meal. But how are they so affordable? Is there some dark secret behind these tasty birds?
12 min
Are Fast Food Restaurants Actually Giving Us LESS Food?
The fast food landscape is a vicious and ever-evolving competition full of cutthroat tactics to sell consumers the largest amounts of food at the cheapest price possible. That’s why we love it so much. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end It seems those once-reliable guilty pleasures have started to skimp on their portions, leaving wounded customers wondering what went wrong. But did that Junior Chee really get more junior, or is it all in our heads?
12 min
The Secrets Behind Every Secret Sauce
For decades now, pretty much every fast food place has unveiled a secret sauce that allegedly gives their food a unique zing their competitors could only dream of. And for just as long, people have been trying to find out what exactly is in them! Well, today we do our best to spill the sauce!
11 min